Anointing or Annoying God

Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8

The story for today concerns the unselfish act of Mary of Bethany. You know; the woman who anoints Jesus with the oil from the alabaster box? What did the disciples have to say about this act?

The disciples responded saying, "Why this waste? “For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:8–9.

The money? In the next few passages we see Judas agreeing to sell out Jesus for less than what Mary was considered to be wasted, anointing Jesus. "Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?' And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus."

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:14–16.

The disciples were clear about their motive, while Judas was hypocritical about his. The gift of the alabaster box was worth more in value than Judas sold Jesus out!

Was this act of worship Mary exhibited proper? "Her action was simply a festive honor done to one whom she loved unspeakably, and which she might have rendered at another time." "She loved Jesus with her whole heart, for what He was, for what He had done for the family to which she belonged, and for the words of instruction she had heard from His lips when He came on a visit to their house. There was such a love in her heart for her friend and benefactor as imperatively demanded in expression, and yet could not find expression in words. She must do something to relieve her pent-up emotions: she must get an alabaster box and break it; and pour it on the person of Jesus, else her heart would break." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 299, 301.

This is a practical picture of what Jesus did for this world. He was so moved by His love for sinners that He came that He must come and die for them. 

"Like Nehemiah, the Jewish patriot in the court of the Persian king, He could not stay in Heaven's court while His brethren far away on earth were in evil's case; He must ask and obtain leave to go down to their assistance. Or, like Mary, He must procure an alabaster box- a human body- fill it with the fine essence of a human soul, and pour out His soul unto death on the cross for our salvation. The spirit of Jesus, yea, the spirit of the Eternal God, is the spirit of Mary and of Nehemiah, and of all who are like-minded with them." The Training of the Twelve, A. B. Bruce, pg. 301-302.

As our church continues the study of Acts 5 this Sunday (Oct. 11th), we are looking at the story of Ananias and Sapphira. It sometimes boggles my mind in my study time to see God showing me a direction and contrast about those who withhold and those who go to the extreme to show their gratitude to Jesus. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there are two responses in the way we worship Jesus. One has an agenda which is exposed by the Holy Spirit's testimony in both Ananias and Sapphira's shortness of life. On the other hand, we see the complete devotion of Mary who can't even express her love and worship in words for Jesus and will be overcome in her actions for Him. Actions in which Jesus told the disciples, "Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Mt 26:13.

Where are you today? Could Jesus say this about you? Or are we teetering on the grace of God, close enough for Him to take our life rather than ruin the testimony of His church? How much are you holding back today? 

I heard a really good quote this week from Todd Adkins. He says, "The Church isn't reaching the world because its too busy keeping Christians on life support." Sad...